Chapter 509. You Are the Only One (1/2)
‘This little vinegar jar!’ Zhu Junyang touched her head dotingly. She was really a sweet little burden. However, suspicion was the worst thing to have between couples. He didn’t want to give his lass any chance to think about nonsense, so he decided to be frank, “Don’t I have the ability to read one’s thoughts? However, it seems like my ability doesn’t work on Wu Junling. It was really weird, so I looked at her a few more times.”
Yu Xiaocao felt even more sour, “You can’t read her thoughts? Wasn’t the reason you chose me because you couldn’t perceive my thoughts so there was no pressure and burden in our interaction? Now that there’s another special existence, does that mean it’s time for me, this rural girl, to be laid-off and go into retirement?”
Zhu Junyang didn’t understand what ‘laid-off’ meant, but he knew the meaning of retirement. With a stern expression, he stared fixedly at the little lass. Zhu Junyang said in a deep voice, “You have already declared this prince to be guilty before you even know the full story? Is this how you think of me? Am I this unreliable in your heart?”
In face of Zhu Junyang’s sudden anger, Yu Xiaocao was stunned for a moment. Then she bit her lower lip aggrievedly and didn’t speak. Since Zhu Junyang expressed that he wanted to pursue her, she had been hesitant. There was a huge gap between their identities. On the surface, she pretended that she didn’t care, but would there really be anyone who didn’t care at all?
She had always thought that she was the only unique person around him, and this was also the only advantage that she felt she had compared with the other noble maidens in the capital. However, this advantage suddenly disappeared. How could she not feel sad about it? It turned out that proud and awkward youth, who gave her warmth, had quietly entered her heart. She cared, so she was afraid…
Zhu Junyang sighed softly. He reached out his hand to move a wisp of mischievous hair behind her ear, and then said in a soothing voice, “Lass, don’t think about unnecessary things. She’s different from you. When this prince is together with you, it feels like the air is filled with a refreshing scent. Even my breathing has become smoother and my entire body feels relaxed and comfortable. Your aura is transparent and clean. When I’m with you, I would never have to be on guard and try to find out your intentions. She appears pure and cute, but she gives me a somewhat suppressed feeling, like dark clouds shrouded above a mountain before rainfall.”
Zhu Junyang’s five senses were more sensitive than ordinary people. Even if he couldn’t read the other party’s mind, he could still intuitively feel it. He paused for a moment, and then said, “Besides, it’s not that I can’t see her heart, but instead there seems to be something blocking me. She either has some treasure that can restrain my ability, or she’s so defensive and heavy guarded that my power isn’t strong enough to see through her yet.”
Xiaocao’s expression became increasingly solemn because of his guess. She thought about it and said, “Based on your younger cousin’s age, it probably isn’t the latter. Could it be that…she has some sort of special item with a defensive function?”
“It doesn’t matter whether she has a special item or not. The important thing is that there’s no longer any misunderstanding between us, and you aren’t angry at me!” In Zhu Junyang’s eyes, Wu Junling was just an unimportant relative, and they just needed to maintain a decent relationship on the surface.
Yu Xiaocao was a little embarrassed as she kicked a small stone and mumbled, “Was it a simple misunderstanding? Even if you’re not interested in your younger cousin, who can guarantee that she’s not interested in you? Based on my woman’s intuition, she definitely likes you!”
“Oh? What makes you think that she likes this prince?” Seeing that the lass wasn’t sulky anymore, Zhu Junyang wanted to tease her.
Yu Xiaocao rolled her eyes at him, snorted, and replied in a matter-of-fact way, “When she looks at you, there are hooks in her eyes, which exude deep affection and bashfulness. The only thing that’s missing from her face is that she didn’t write out, ‘Older Cousin, I like you. Quickly come flirt with me!’ Also, the most important thing is that you have a face that attracts the attention of bees and butterflies. There’s no sense of security at all!!”
“So it turns out that, in Xiaocao’s heart, this prince is so handsome that you have no sense of security? This won’t do. Tomorrow, I’ll request an edict from the emperor to send me to the Xishan Barracks for training. I’ll make myself tanner and uglier. That way, you won’t doubt me anymore, right? But, you’re not allowed to abandon this prince at that time.” The emperor had long wanted him to take charge of the Xishan Barracks. He also wanted to set up a military experimental base to study firearms, cannons, and so on. Zhu Junyang reckoned that a decision would be made regarding this matter when he returned to the capital to report his work. Thus, he mentioned this to the lass in advance.
Yu Xiaocao hesitated and looked at his pale and charming face. When she imagined him getting tanned and looking like Judge Bao [1] , she couldn’t bear to look at his face anymore. She suppressed her laughter and said, “Actually, you don’t have to get purposely all dirty and unkempt. As long as you maintain your black-faced killer style and ignore all those young girls and female cousins, I believe that, with time, they will learn that it’s impossible and withdraw.”
“They? Where did ‘they’ come from? Isn’t it just Wu Junling, or do you have some imaginary rivals? It’s fine to be jealous, so why find so many excuses? This prince likes to see you being jealous, okay?”
Zhu Junyang escorted Yu Xiaocao to the entrance of the Fang Estate and knocked on the side door. The doorkeeper yawned as he opened the door. Seeing that it was Royal Prince Yang and his young miss, he quickly smiled and had someone lead the horse to the stable in the back. He attentively said, “Young Miss, you’re finally back. Master and Madam have been talking about you for several days. Royal Prince Yang, please come inside. This servant will go invite the master out…”
“No need. It’s quite late now, so I won’t disturb them. I’ll come over to play go with General Fang on another day. Xiaocao, rest earlier. I’ll go back now!” Zhu Junyang looked at Xiaocao affectionately with his phoenix eyes. His smile was even more dazzling than the bright moon in the sky.
After watching the back view of the handsome Zhu Junyang leave, Yu Xiaocao turned around and met the playful eyes of Lady Fang. She was slightly embarrassed as she said, “Godmother, why did you come out?”